United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Younger hotel travelers say ‘no’ to bathtime
Surveys show backpackers are ignoring online reviews, preferring word-of-mouth recommendations, says a new study.
Research of more than 1,000 youths by the TNT Travel Show found that most 18-35 year olds don’t use smart phones to research while travelling, with a high percentage of Blackberry and iPhone users leaving their handsets at home.
More than two-thirds preferred to speak to other travelers while 14% opted for social media to research hotels and flights. Reading blogs for trips was picked by 13% of youths.
Email was picked as the "best technology for keeping in touch with friends and family".
In a separate development, bulky hotel housekeeping carts? On the way out. Small toiletry bottles? Also, out.
"The face of the business traveler has changed dramatically," says MSNBC. "It’s a lot younger and there’s a mad dash in the hotel industry to do more than just ‘accommodate’ them."
The industry is facing some major changes.
The heavy housekeeping carts are being replaced by small and more nimble "caddy" type vehicles. The small toiletry bottles are being replaced by refillable dispensers.
"They’re just a few of the changes the hotel industry is making to be more appealing to the younger business traveler," says the site
"They want to socialize, so all these hotels are changing the design of the lobby where now it’s very warm, where you have couches where you can plug in your iPad," said Adam Weissenberg of Deloitte & Touche.
Deloitte research shows over a third of the business travelers now are between 18 and 44. This age group doesn’t like sitting in hotel rooms.
Bathtubs are also becoming a victim of the times. Increasingly, younger, time-sensitive guests prefer a quick shower.
By David Wilkening
David
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel